2008 Toyota 4Runner Toyota 4Runner 2008

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2008 Toyota 4Runner repairs by problem area

Engine (19%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (20%)

Brakes and Traction Control (11%)

Suspension and Steering (9%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (20%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (18%)

Other (5%)

Chart based on 102 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 Toyota 4Runner.

2008 Toyota 4Runner repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (14%)

$500 - $999 (16%)

$100 - $499 (22%)

< $100 (44%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 90 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2008 Toyota 4Runner 4dr SUV

260-horsepower 4.7L V8 5-speed automatic AWD w/low range

Toyota 4Runner in Minnesota, United States
Mar 2013 - Mar 2014
May 2013

60000 mi

US $750
Clunk noise when stopping and starting 
Toyota 4Runner in Missouri, United States
Feb 2011 - Jan 2012
Jul 2011

57000 mi

US $25
seat was popping and clicking and a little loose going around curves. Had to threaten by calling toyota north america but seat bracket was finally replaced and problem seems to have subsided. 
Toyota 4Runner in North Carolina, United States
Nov 2013 - Dec 2015
Nov 2015

70600 mi

US $1100
Water pump failed and leaked coolant. Pump itself is only a couple hundred bucks but it is driven by timing belt which is labor intensive (timing belt replaced as well) 
Toyota 4Runner in Nebraska, United States
Jul 2014 - Jun 2022
Nov 2014

74300 mi

US $50
Engine light came on 1 week after dealer completed routine maintenance. Took it in, they told me the seal was worn out on the gas cap and wanted $150. Most of that was running the computer. car was certified used I only had to pay $50. 
May 2015

82000 mi

US $170
Rack and pinion leaking, dealership service completely replaced. Was covered by certified used warranty, but I had to pay flush. 
Feb 2020

169000 mi

US $1200
Sometimes panic alarm goes off spontaneously. If we are sleeping or gone or inside at work it has killed the battery. 4/5 door latches needed replacement, thought maybe that it was a security glitch but it happened again a year later usually when it’s very cold. It’s happened 6-7 times in 8 years we still don’t know why. Otherwise this vehicle has been extremely reliable and doesn’t feel it’s age or mileage. 
Feb 2021

176000 mi

US $1500
Replaced latches on all but one door, didn’t have any more panic alarms until the end of this last winter. Still have one original door latch, though. 
Jan 2022

190000 mi

US $900
Car originally came with x-reas suspension system that was a closed system, at the end of its life and very expensive to replace. Were able to replace it with a traditional suspension system without much of a change in feel. 
Toyota 4Runner in California, United States
Nov 2014 - Jun 2022
Aug 2020

145000 mi

US $1500
Timing belt replace, transmission, coolant, and differential flush 
Jan 2022

152000 mi

US $2000
Brake pads, rotors, and lines all replaced (preventive), fluid flushed Old battery had defective terminals, replaced with new battery Alternator went bad, replaced with new 
Toyota 4Runner in Texas, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2018
Aug 2016

100000 mi

US $680
Right front wheel bearing noisy 
Toyota 4Runner in Washington, United States
Feb 2014 - Feb 2014
Feb 2014

100000 mi

US $1500
new calipers 
Toyota 4Runner in Georgia, United States
May 2008 - Mar 2017
Jun 2008

4000 mi
Seat made noise when my truck flexed such as when it turned, etc... The dealer replaced the drivers set track and the problem seems to be fixed. 
May 2009

20000 mi
Driver's seat continues to squeak/rattle when truck flexes. 
Jun 2009

20000 mi
drivers seat squeaks and pops. The entire drivers seat was replaced including the leather. so far, after 500 miles the squeak/popping hasn't returned. 
Jan 2010

33000 mi
passenger seat starting to pop, click and rattle like the driver seat did. The dealer replaced some foam in the lumbar support, which decrerased the noise, but I need to take it back. 
Mar 2010

35000 mi
Passenger seat still noisy when car flexes during curves. Dealer attempted to fix, but was not successful, so they ordered a new seat frame to be installed when it comes in. rattling noise from the sunroof. Dealer tightened "several plastic" parts and it's better. Not 100% gone, but better. Now it makes noise when closing like the plastic parts might be too tight... we'll see what happens. 
Apr 2010

36000 mi
Passenger seat creaked and popped when turning corner (car flexes) when someone is in the seat. passenger side of the sunroof rattles when the sunroof is open in the back (the back side of the sunroof is up and open.) They tightened some bolts or plastic - I don't know exactly what they tightened, but it continues to rattle. Back to dealer. 
May 2010

38000 mi
Replaced Passenger seat frame because of clicking and popping from seat frame. 
Dec 2010

47000 mi
Engine check light and several other error lights were on. Caused by the gas cap not sealing correctly. Toyota dealer tested the cap and sensors, replaced the cap and reset the error messages. 
Jul 2011

58000 mi

US $26
engine check light and 2 others (VSC and slipping) flashing. Gas cap not sealing correctly. I had this problem last year when the gas cap was faulty and didn't lock and seal correctly. I replaced the gas cap and the error lights went away. 
Mar 2012

67000 mi
drivers side door lock actuator motor failed. replacement motor installed. 
Mar 2013

77000 mi
Gas cap not sealing properly. 3rd trip to the dealer for this issue. They pressure tested the system and replaced the gas cap (again). 
Feb 2014

86100 mi
Gas cap stopped locking and didn't seal. This is #4 gas cap for this truck. Dealer reported they installed a defective gas cap last year when the gas cap was replaced for the 3rd time. 
Dec 2014

93000 mi
Navigation unit - cd changer stopped working. 
Toyota 4Runner in California, United States
Oct 2008 - Mar 2016
Mar 2011

38000 mi

US $3600
Clean varnish from heads and replace one valve. Dealer claims problem caused by "bad gas" and would not honor warranty. 
Mar 2014

86000 mi
Driver door remote lock/unlock failed 
Jun 2014

90000 mi
Replaced right front door remote operated door lock. Replaced home link garage door opener. 
Feb 2016

121000 mi

US $300
Replaced left front axle shaft 

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2008 Toyota 4Runner 4dr SUV

236-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

Toyota 4Runner in California, United States
Sep 2013 - Dec 2017
Jul 2014

93300 mi
Back hatch handle had become gummy and sticky to the touch over time. Finally had it replaced. 
Toyota 4Runner in North Carolina, United States
Oct 2008 - Sep 2010
Jun 2009

10000 mi

US $1
Driver's seat:annoying pop/crack noise when turning or braking. Dealer tightened "lean back clamps" but noise re-appeared after 100 miles. 4runner blog reveals a lot of 4runners have same seat noise issue. Toyota techs don't have a successful fix process. 
Jul 2009

11000 mi
Driver's seat continues to make a pop/crack noise when turning or braking. Toyota tech could not duplicate by driving the car around the dealer parking lot. Guess I'll live with this annoynace. 
Toyota 4Runner in Texas, United States
Mar 2017 - Mar 2018
Feb 2018

111000 mi

US $1100
normal maintenance [brakes] 

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2008 Toyota 4Runner 4dr SUV

236-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

Toyota 4Runner in Florida, United States
Aug 2017 - Jan 2019
Sep 2017

101000 mi
Sun roof leaking into interior cab. Substantial rust around sun roof inside the vehicle. Dealer replaced entire assembly as part of purchase. 
Jan 2018

105000 mi

US $2100
Had to replace both engine knock sensors after receiving error code P0327. Also replaced a leaking water pump and serpentine belt. 
Toyota 4Runner in Utah, United States
Jan 2017 - Jun 2022
Jul 2017

151000 mi

US $400
Both front CV Axles were replaced because the shop said they showed wear and grease was leaking and would soon be dry and cause problems. 
Oct 2017

154000 mi

US $400
Replaced a leaking water pump and radiator. 
Toyota 4Runner in Alabama, United States
Dec 2012 - Jul 2016
Nov 2012

45000 mi

US $125
Check Engine Light was related to a faulty fuel cap that allowed oxygen to enter the engine and set of check engine light. Replaced Fuel Cap 
Toyota 4Runner in Pennsylvania, United States
Apr 2015 - Jan 2024
Jun 2015

105000 mi

US $80
While replacing brake pads and rotors, found that the front passenger caliper had a seized piston (the inner rearward piston). Bought new brake calipers for all the wheels to head off any further issues. Everything is good now. 
May 2017

167000 mi

US $80
Found the front driver side brake caliper had a seized piston. (Previously the passenger side was seized.) Replaced both front brake calipers. 
Aug 2017

172000 mi

US $3245
4 wheel drive high would not actuate while in motion and would not actuate into 4 low at all. Replaced the 4wd actuator motor on the transfer case and the actuator switch on the front differential. 4 high and 4 low will both actuate, but still will not engage properly while in motion. Still to diagnose this last issue which is probably related to the collision with the dump truck in 2016. Boots on front half shafts were blown on the inboard CV. Replaced the half shafts. Grinding noise from front of car. Noise went away when cornering to one side. Replaced both front wheel hubs with pre-assembled Dorman hubs. 
May 2018

206000 mi

US $300
Had to replace front shock eye bushings on both sides. The rubber had worn and the bolt was no longer centered. This was to save the Xreas shocks. This time the driver rear and the passenger front calipers had seized pistons. Replaced all calipers with Stoptech branded ones. Painted all calipers and made sure to grease around all piston boots during Stoptech Z36 pad installation. Hope this lasts longer than one year... 
Aug 2019

241000 mi

US $150
Steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. Seemed like power steering had failed. Internet search suggested steering column CV joint. Lubing this mitigated the problem. Had shop replace the CV joint. 
Feb 2020

250000 mi

US $150
Front calipers seized. One piston on driver side, three pistons on passenger side. Painted piston cups with ZRC zinc treatment to act as anode to prevent rusting of pistons to caliper body. 
Oct 2021

300000 mi

US $8500
While replacing the AC condenser, Faulkner Collsion in Quakertown, PA removed the hose clamp on the coolant return line to the radiator and did not replace it. As a result all coolant was dumped from the engine and overheated. This lead to engine misfiring on cylinders 2 and 4. Head gasket had failed from overheat and needed to be replaced. 
Toyota 4Runner in Colorado, United States
Dec 2012 - Jun 2018
Oct 2017

124000 mi

US $300
Replace CV shafts 
Toyota 4Runner in Wisconsin, United States
Mar 2017 - Jun 2022
Oct 2021

182000 mi

US $500
muffler replaced 
Toyota 4Runner in Illinois, United States
Dec 2008 - Jun 2022
Jun 2018

154000 mi

US $500
Front passenger side axle outer boot torn. Dealer replaced complete passenger side axle (claimed cheaper than just boot replacement). 
Toyota 4Runner in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2011 - Mar 2023
Jun 2017

87000 mi

US $450
Sunroof gasket improperly sealed to glass and frame assembly, resulting in rust of the frame the holds the glass. Rust expanded the seals resulting in binding of the sunroof mechanism. 
Toyota 4Runner in Texas, United States
Jul 2016 - Jan 2022
Jan 2022

182000 mi

US $800
Needed the regular 5k oil change and didn’t always drop into gear. Brake switch was going bad after 13 years. Also had brakes and transmission fluid changed. 
Toyota 4Runner in Colorado, United States
Dec 2011 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018

179000 mi

US $13
Rubber tailgate latch cover was turning to mush, ordered a new one on amazon for $13 and two screws later back to new. 
Toyota 4Runner in Illinois, United States
Oct 2015 - Jun 2016
Nov 2015

85000 mi

US $560
water pump was starting to leak. 
Jun 2016

90000 mi

US $600
drivers side front cv joint leaking grease. total replace 
Toyota 4Runner in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2008 - Nov 2015
Oct 2015

101000 mi

US $135
Battery needed to be replaced. Original battery was 7 hrs old with 100k+ miles on it. 
Toyota 4Runner in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2012 - Jun 2018
Sep 2016

32240 mi

C $150
Calipers 
Toyota 4Runner in Minnesota, United States
Aug 2010 - Mar 2015
Dec 2013

79000 mi
replaced passenger side front power window switch 
Toyota 4Runner in Nebraska, United States
Jul 2010 - Aug 2023
Feb 2011

84000 mi

US $30
reoccurring EVAP very small leak MIL, which also causes traction and stability control to shut off. Replaced fuel cap with aftermarket OEM replacement cap. 
Nov 2012

105500 mi

US $240
Replaced a leaking LR axle seal 
Sep 2013

113000 mi
Leaking front strut with tire wear. Since equipped with X-REAS system dealer said that all 4 struts and hydraulic lines must be replaced at the same time ($2300). Instead installed 4 aftermarket struts and removed X-REAS. Noise from new replacement struts, most likely due to improper tightening of top nut. 
Feb 2015

125800 mi

US $299
replaced leaking water pump replaced both front CV boots due to cracking Was getting ABS/Trac/VSC error lights and systems would shut off, fixed by replacing both a brake light switch and relay 
Toyota 4Runner in Montana, United States
Jan 2009 - Jul 2016
Sep 2010

27000 mi
Stock radio replaced under warranty. 
Oct 2015

122500 mi

US $400
both rear axles were replaced 
Jul 2016

146000 mi

US $4000
Car stopped running in July. Over fueling, dumping too much fuel into catalytic converter, cause as yet to be determined, possible computer or timing chain issue. Through January mechanic has put over $3,000 into it, and will be buying it when done. 
Toyota 4Runner in Nova Scotia, Canada
Nov 2010 - Dec 2016
Dec 2010

12400 mi
Main heating circuit board needed to be replaced. 1400$ for part alone. Under warranty. 
Aug 2014

57320 mi

C $1800
Two front calipers seized at certain extent. Replaced both. 
Jul 2016

89560 mi

C $700
both cv axcls were leaking. struts were bouncy. changed two front axcleside and all 4 shocks and struts. 
Toyota 4Runner in Massachusetts, United States
May 2008 - Aug 2015
Aug 2008

14000 mi
Emblem came off driver side door ( the "L" in Limited ) 
Dec 2014

120000 mi

US $1100
Full front brakes with rotors and calipers 
Jun 2015

127000 mi

US $650
Transmission hose leak 
Toyota 4Runner in Utah, United States
Dec 2015 - Jul 2021
Jun 2016

136000 mi

US $156
There was a noise on turning to left or right. A bolt was missing. 
Dec 2017

140000 mi

US $150
there was a leak. 
Toyota 4Runner in Michigan, United States
Jan 2009 - Feb 2022
Sep 2009

8000 mi
Factory installed TomTom GPS was shorted out by TomTom.  
Jan 2011

84500 mi
Leather on driver seat threads unraveling, major cracking and spliting on top and side of seat 
Sep 2011

37000 mi
Several harnesses failed or improperly installed. Battery and voltage regulator replaced.  Seat cushion replaced. 
Dec 2011

41000 mi

US $101
Relay on harness repaired in September for the air bag, traction, and turn signals went out 
Apr 2016

100800 mi

US $1200
water pump, drive belt, radiator, recall 
Jul 2016

105200 mi

US $589
Replace front driver axle 
Oct 2016

106300 mi

US $628
replace other half of front axle 
Sep 2017

116000 mi

US $100
brackets along muffler and frame broken 
Dec 2017

123000 mi

US $20
Left turn signal bulb. Mybe 15 to 20 minutes. The battery had to be removed. Maintenance light. 
Jun 2018

128000 mi

US $60
A bracket that held part of the pipe running into muffler. It just broke.It was not rusted or anything . 
Sep 2018

131000 mi

US $967
Brake repair  with axle parts 
Feb 2022

162000 mi

US $500
Electrical system check, new battery, order additional parts 
Toyota 4Runner in Delaware, United States
May 2008 - Feb 2016
Mar 2014

114000 mi

US $22
Lights in climate control display burned out and needed to be replaced. 
Feb 2016

135000 mi
Wet passenger side floor mat after rain. Rumble strip vibration between 4th and 5th gear under light load. 
Toyota 4Runner in New Jersey, United States
Jun 2014 - Jun 2018
Jun 2014

69000 mi
a/c was not cold 
Toyota 4Runner in Ohio, United States
May 2016 - Jun 2018
May 2016

95000 mi

US $70
The front stabilizer links were worn out. 

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2008 Toyota 4Runner Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2008 Toyota 4Runner problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.